Pocono Raceway's contract to host IndyCar expires after the upcoming race at the track in Augustgetty images
IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said that while the series "continues to negotiate with Pocono Raceway about a possible extension, no agreement has been struck," according to Jim Ayello of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Miles confirmed that IndyCar’s contract with Pocono "expires after the series visits" in August. This latest agreement was "only a one-year deal after the two sides had agreed to a three-year pact" from '16-18. Initially, the speedway "dealt with attendance issues but in recent years, crowds have grown." Ahead of last year's race, Pocono CEO Nick Igdalsky said that ticket sales were "up year-over-year." Ayello notes if an extension with Pocono "isn’t reached, the series is working on a replacement." Miles confirmed that the series has "talked with Richmond Raceway executives." Miles said the speedway is “being evaluated in the context of the discussions of looking at all of our opportunities.” He added that IndyCar is "not interested in expanding its schedule of races" within the continental U.S. (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 6/7).
LOOKING LIKE A HAIL MARY: The STAR's Ayello writes Miles "poured some cold water over the sizzling hot stove of rumors" that there could be a NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader. Miles characterized the idea of a same-weekend racing event co-hosted by both series "a longshot." Miles: "I’m not opposed to it, but I don’t know if I feel like there is a lot of momentum (behind it)." He went on to "underscore the many challenges of lining up such an event, not the least of which is sorting out 'positioning' equitable to both series" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 6/7).
